Job Description

The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and include working on one or more specially designed projects. These opportunities in our Research & Development Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. 

Our company's Research Lab's Chemical Biology group within Discovery Chemistry is seeking a summer intern with a passion for scientific research, strong academic performance, communication skills, and the ability to work on cross-functional teams. We offer opportunities in our state-of-the-art science laboratories to solve fundamental synthetic or biological problems relevant to drug discovery and development, while functioning as a fully integrated member of the company project teams. 

Chemical Biology (Cambridge, MA) 

Our Company's Chemical Biology (comprising of chemistry, proteomics, and cell pharmacology) focuses on providing novel, high-quality targets and expanding confidence on molecular mechanism of action for our key assets. Candidates will leverage their chemical and biological expertise to solve complex biological problems while working in both chemistry and biology laboratory spaces. The internship will provide an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge on how our Company's Research Labs (RL) uses key technologies to create a synergistic toolbox for early discovery and beyond.

The candidate will engage in departmental and project team meetings, gaining insight into the scientific, strategic, and operational aspects of pharmaceutical drug discovery and development. In turn, the candidate will develop a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with advancing therapeutic programs. They will be responsible for, and trained in, accurate electronic notebook documentation and safe laboratory practices. Additionally, the candidate will have opportunities to communicate their work in both oral presentations and written reports.

Ultimately, the intern will gain hands-on experience in the development of proteomics workflows, including leveraging novel chemical probes to interrogate protein complexes in a therapeutically relevant cellular setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop of chemoproteomics workflows to interrogate protein complexes in a therapeutically relevant setting

• Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintaining detailed lab records

• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and optimize workflows

• Participate in lab meetings and present findings

**Please note when applying for this position, the candidate must have consent from PI. If the candidate is selected for an interview, the applicant must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation and a brief research statement and a copy of transcripts. 

Required Education & Experience: 

• Candidates must be currently enrolled graduate students pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field.

• Candidates must have completed at least two years of graduate studies by June 2027

• Candidates must be available to work full-time for approximately 10-12 weeks from May - August 2027

Preferred Experience & Skills: 

• Candidates should have a significant interest in the application of chemical biology in drug discovery research

• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, proteomics/chemoproteomics workflow, and basic molecular biology techniques

• Working knowledge of applying crosslinking technologies in mass spectrometry setting is plus

• Basic understanding of chemical biology and molecular biology principles

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

• Candidates should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Salary range:
The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $111,111.

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.